Full-time mums face cuts in childcare benefits

STAY-AT-HOME parents could face cuts to their childcare subsidies to give vulnerable children and those whose parents both work priority access to childcare centres.

STAY-AT-HOME parents could face cuts to their childcare subsidies to give vulnerable children and those whose parents both work priority access to childcare centres.

Currently parents who do not work or study are able to access 24 hours of subsidised care for their child each week.

Childcare Minister Sussan Ley said one of the reasons working parents struggle to find a childcare place for their baby or toddler is because stay-at-home mothers are clogging the system.

The federal government has proposed restricting these subsidies by forcing stay-at-home parents to pay more or cut the number of days their children attend childcare.

Stay-at-home mother Suzan Zunic of Colyton said childcare should not be prioritised for working parents.

"There are many reasons children need childcare including parents who suffer from postnatal depression, single parents who have no support, parents that study and especially for socialisation and speech development for children," Mrs Zunic said.

Eilish Bailey agreed.

"Maybe they should look at waiting lists.

"You should not be able to wait-list a foetus. If that child isn't born yet they shouldn't be able to reserve a place at a childcare centre."

Childcare worker Rebecca Attuell said childcare should be available to all parents.

"If working parents are complaining they can't find a spot for their child it falls back on them for not being organised," she said.

"They need to look at childcare centres in advance and fill out waiting list forms if necessary to hold their position.